Fisheries authorities have highlighted a prosecution against a scallop vessel skipper to reinforce the message that stocks must be protected in Manx waters.

Girts Prizevs has been convicted of fishing for king scallops in territorial waters from his locally registered vessel 'Alena' in an area where fishing is banned. He was fined ?10,000 plus costs and had to forfeit the catch worth ?1,550.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Richard Ronan said: 'Yet another prosecution for illegal scallop fishing reiterates the message to skippers about the risks of fishing in restricted and closed fishing zones.

'Protection and management of the scallop fisheries in Manx waters is important to promote the development and sustainability of stocks of these vulnerable and highly prized shellfish.'

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